カテゴリー:未分類
「英会話・英語 アミック」Culture of Cuteness
Ever since I first came to Japan back in 2011 I was always fascinated by the culture of cuteness that is so prevalent in Japanese society. Within the first week I had already done プリクラ (purikura) multiple times, was introduced to countless character mascots and came to understand the significance of posing for a picture in a cute way, especially the ever present peace sign. My understanding was heightened when I learned of アイドル (idols) and how cuteness ruled the entertainment industry here.
Needless to say, the cuteness of Japan has had a large impact on me, to the point where I’ve basically developed an effeminate “alter-ego”. While this “alter-ego” is largely a joke to me, I enjoy that it helps me balance the over-serious aspects of my personality in social situations. It is meant to be humorous, but the funniest part is that my family and friends back in the United States don’t quite understand when I post pictures like this:
(-_^)v
笑(Haha)!
Joe
英会話・英語 Bat & Ball Sports
I’m not that big on baseball, but with the World Baseball Classic finals just around the corner, it’s becoming more exciting to watch. Some very close games and thrilling comebacks have been played, so I’m definitely going to watch the match between The U.S and Japan.
Baseball isn’t as popular in Australia as it is in Japan. It is however, becoming more popular amongst children and young teenagers with Little League Baseball teams increasing in numbers.
Cricket is a very famous sport in Australia which is somewhat similar to baseball. Likewise, teams have batters or batsmen, fielders, and bowlers (like the pitcher in baseball). Similar to the catcher in baseball, there is the position of the wicket-keeper who stands behind the wickets and is the only player wearing catching gloves.
Both sports require fast reflexes to try and get the batsman out.
Here are some of the best catches from behind the stumps. Howzaaaat!!!
「英会話・英語 アミック」Cherry Blossoms in America
It is finally beginning to feel more like Spring here in Matsuyama, and I couldn’t be happier. The cherry blossoms should begin blooming very soon, and I know personally I’m very excited. Cherry blossoms can also be found all over the United States. Many cities around the country host Cherry Blossom Festivals in March and April.
They are especially common on the West Coast, with most major cities having cherry blossoms in parks and botanical gardens. From Monterey and San Francisco in California, to Salem and Portland in Oregon, and even further north in Seattle Washington, you can find events celebrating cherry blossoms.
This week the National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place in Washington D.C., where the cherry blossoms have bloomed for over a hundred years. Unfortunately, the cold weather this year has damaged the blossoms and more than half were killed before reaching peak bloom. It should still be a beautiful sight, and fortunately the trees were not damaged.
Do you have any special plans for this weekend?
Alex
英会話・英語 アミック What is the difference between Abbreviations and Acronyms?
Abbreviations
An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase used mainly in writing to represent the complete form. It usually has a full-stop at the end.
Examples: Lib. for Library
abbr. for abbreviation
approx. for approximate
Acronyms
An acronym is a pronounceable word formed mostly (but not always) from the initial letters of a descriptive name or title.
Examples: radar = radio detecting and ranging
ASAP = as soon as possible
The term initialism uses a similar method, but the word is pronounced letter by letter.
Example: BBC British Broadcasting Corporation or USA United States of America.
And last but not least, there are symbols and/or units of reference, like min for minute or kg for kilogram.
社員歓送迎会 英語・英会話のアミック@松山
昨晩はレッスン終了後、4校のアミックの講師スタッフが松山中心部に集まって歓送迎会を行ないました 🙂
普段はそれぞれのスクールで離れて仕事をしていることが多く、テレビ電話システムなどで会議をすることはあっても、一同に会することはあまりありません。しかし、やはりこのように集まると良いですね〜
すぐに英語と日本語が飛び交って、楽しい会話に花が咲きました
アミックを巣立って行く仲間も、新しく加わったフレッシュな仲間も、皆英語が大好きで、皆さんに英語を身につけていただくことによって、より自分の世界を広げ幸せになってもらいたいという思いは共通しています
英語教育に対する熱い思いを持って、皆様のお越しをお待ちしています
この春、私達アミックと一緒に英語・英会話始めませんか?